Page 18 - Pneumatology - Student Textbook

Study Section 4: The role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

4.1 Connect

Some believers think that the Holy Spirit is only a “Church Age” person, coming to believers at
Pentecost. They don’t consider His many activities described in the Old Testament.
Throughout the entire Scriptures, the Holy Spirit has been extremely active as God working
among men. Today we are going to look at some of the activities of the Holy Spirit in the Old
Testament. You probably will be surprised to see how important He is! Let’s get started….

4.2 Objectives

1. The student should discover that the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is very similar
to His role in the New Testament.

2. The student should be able to define the meaning of the word, ruach, and its significance in
creation and life.

3. The student should be able to state several promises of the Old Testament regarding the permanent
residence the Holy Spirit would take up in the church age.

4.3 The role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

The role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is much like His role in the New Testament.
When we speak of the role of the Holy Spirit, we can discern four general areas in which the
Holy Spirit works:

1. Regeneration – making a person alive spiritually by providing faith.

The first area of the Spirit’s work is in the process of regeneration. Another word for regeneration is
“rebirth,” from which we get the concept of being “born again.” The classic proof text for this can be found
in John’s gospel: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John
3:3). This begs the question: what does this have to do with the Holy Spirit’s work in the Old Testament?
Later on in His dialogue with Nicodemus, Jesus has this to say to him: “You are Israel's teacher…and do you
not understand these things?” (John 3:10). The point Jesus was making is that Nicodemus should have
known the truth that the Holy Spirit is the source of new life because it is revealed in the Old Testament.
For instance, Moses told the Israelites prior to entering the Promised Land that “The LORD your God will
circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that
you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live”
(Deuteronomy 30:6). This circumcision of the heart is the work of
God’s Spirit and can be accomplished only by Him. We also see the
theme of regeneration in Ezekiel 11:19-20 and Ezekiel 36:26-29.

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